Artist from Cornwall Honors Ukraine's Strength

In a heartfelt response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, artist Louise Pasterfield has launched a watercolour exhibition titled "Portraits of Resilience" at Truro Cathedral. This collection aims to capture the spirit and strength of the Ukrainian people in the wake of Russia's invasion. Pasterfield describes her work as a tribute to the "faces of Ukraine," reflecting the profound impact the war has had on individuals and families. The exhibition gained traction on social media, particularly Instagram, where Pasterfield's art resonated with many. This unexpected attention led to an influx of requests from Ukrainians who wished to have their stories and loved ones immortalized in her paintings. Pasterfield shared that one poignant request came from a woman who sent a photograph of her two-year-old daughter taken in a basement during the early days of the war, surrounded by chaos and uncertainty. Additionally, Pasterfield has received requests to paint images of those lost to the conflict, including a father who died near Bakhmut. The emotional weight of these stories has deeply influenced her artistic process, as she spends hours studying each photograph to capture the essence of the moment. One woman expressed her gratitude, stating that Pasterfield had painted "one of the most important moments" of her life, highlighting the personal connections forged through art in times of crisis.